The practice of dry brushing dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who were said to use brushing techniques on dry skin to exfoliate and create a glowing, radiant complexion.
Of course, the Egyptians were not the only culture to use exfoliating techniques. Cultures throughout the world and spans of history have used some form of physical exfoliation intending to improve the look of their skin and capitalize on other health benefits that result from the self-care ritual.
Dry brushing has since been popularized once again in the modern-day by professionals in the skincare community. From at-home practices to luxurious spa treatments, this method is everywhere. And for good reason too.
Dry brushing is the practice of massaging your skin with a stiff-bristled brush to rejuvenate your skin by removing dead skin cells and dry, flaky skin while increasing blood circulation.
You can use this technique once a day, preferably before you shower or bathe. If you have particularly sensitive skin or are prone to rashes, you may feel the need to cut back to every other day or as little as once a week.
As mentioned before, the treatment stimulates skin cell turnover and blood flow which enhances your skin’s look, texture, and clarity. But the benefits don’t just stop there. Here’s a comprehensive list of perks you get from regularly dry brushing your skin.
The main advantage of exfoliation is to promote skin cell turnover which, lifts the toxins, oils, and dead skin from your pores. You’ll notice that your skin is less susceptible to blackheads and other blemishes, which is why this treatment is highly recommended to individuals with body acne.
Dry brushing assists the lymphatic system by stimulating blood flow in the skin, accelerating the rate of bacteria, waste, and dead cells that are filtered out of the body. The lymphatic system is a critical part of the body’s immune system and assists the circulatory system by returning a portion of the body’s blood to the heart.
When blood is circulated through the body, some of it is sent to cells to deliver vital nutrients. After providing nutrients, it collects waste, bacteria, and dead cells and drains them to the lymphatic system. The blood then passes through critical lymph nodes that filter out the bacteria and unwanted debris.
By promoting lymphatic drainage, you’ll help your body in the process of removing toxins, which can aid in protecting your body from illness. That means you’ll be glowing from the inside out!
It’s no secret that our skin undertakes a lot of damage. Scarring, stretch marks, dark spots, and blotchiness are all things you might notice on your body from external factors, but one of the most effective ways to improve your skin is through regular, gentle exfoliation. The regeneration of new skin cells will help to heal the appearance and texture of your skin, leaving you with soft skin you can feel confident in.
Exfoliating your skin removes the top layer of dead skin cells that dull the appearance of your skin. With a fresh slate, serums and moisturizers can more effectively penetrate the skin, resulting in thorough and even saturation.
So, what’s the big deal with dry brushing and why is it so much better than other forms of exfoliation? Most people opt to exfoliate while their skin is wet, like using a sugar scrub or scrubby pouf in the shower. But what you don’t know is that your skin is more sensitive when exposed to warm water, so it can cause irritation and have adverse effects. Additionally, warm water combined with a manual exfoliant can strip away the oils and proteins your skin needs to stay balanced.
Dry brushing, on the other hand, won’t rob your skin of natural oils and moisture, but it can still have a similar, if not better, effect. You’ll still get that soft, glowing skin you’re striving for without risking over-exfoliation or stripping your skin.
While it’s obvious there are copious benefits to brushing your skin, there have been a few misconceptions we’d like to clear up so your expectations are aligned with the reality of your results.
Most women experience cellulite and are often looking for ways to reduce the appearance of the dimpling. With just a quick search on Google, you can find a never-ending series of articles about using dry brushing as a cellulite treatment. But we need to note that there is no scientific evidence that backs up the claim that this massaging technique eliminates cellulite.
You may notice a reduced appearance of cellulite after a session of dry brushing, but the effects are only temporary. Even the most consistent dry brusher will still notice cellulite from time to time.
If you are looking for cellulite treatment, the Anti-Cellulite Cream is proven to go beneath the skin and effectively treat the targeted area. Using powerful stimulating ingredients, this formula works by rebalancing the unstable adipose tissue and eliminating pollutants that cause the rippled appearance.
If you have sensitive skin, you may choose to stay clear of dry brushing. Whether it’s a skin sensitivity or another skin condition, such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, routinely exfoliating your dry skin can aggravate the condition and cause it to worsen.
You should also avoid dry brushing in areas where the skin is broken due to scrapes, cuts, or burns. If a rash or other skin irritation is present, skip over the area and only return to brushing it when it’s entirely healed.
While dry brushing does work to unclog pores and increase circulation, it’s not necessary for your face. Dry brushes can be too abrasive for the skin on your face and cause more harm than good.
If you’re looking for facial exfoliants, consider using a chemical or enzymatic exfoliant every so often or using a more gentle manual exfoliant like the Serious Action Masque or Professional Micro Scrub with PC10.
Are you ready to get in on the dry brushing game? The practice might sound straightforward, but there is a technique that is proven to maximize results. Here’s how to dry brush your skin in an easy-to-remember step-by-step format:
1. Select your brush—You should look for a tool with a large head and natural fibers. Choose something with coarse yet flexible bristles. A brush that’s too stiff can lead to over-exfoliation and microtears in the skin.
2. Work your way up—To promote blood circulation, it’s essential to start from your ankles and slowly work the brush upwards, stopping just before your neck.
3. Circular motions—Using gentle, comfortable pressure, work the bristles in a circular motion as you move the brush up your body. You can add more pressure on areas where the skin is thicker, like your elbows, knees, and feet, and ease up on the pressure where your skin is thinner, like your chest and other sensitive areas.
4. Take a shower—It’s time to hop in the shower to wash away the dead skin cells. While showering, use a gentle moisturizing body cleanser. Since you’ve already exfoliated, you won’t need to use a loofa or other tool to apply your cleanser, just lather up with your hands until you’re squeaky clean!
5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize—This last step is the key to getting that radiant glow we’re all chasing after. Once you’re done with your shower, pat your body dry and apply a body lotion or oil to lock in moisture and balance the skin. Here are some great products to consider for this step:
Adding yet another step to your beauty routine might seem intimidating especially, for those who have busy schedules. Lucky for you, dry brushing doesn’t have to take up that much time in your day. If you’re consistent with your daily routine, you should only have to do this for two to five minutes per day right before you jump in the shower.
Gentle exfoliation is the goal here. Even with the softest of brushes, you’ll have to find the right pressure that works for your skin. We suggest starting with a light, gentle hand and increasing pressure as you get more comfortable with the technique.
Is there anything better than a quick, easy routine that helps you stay beautiful and healthy? Dry brushing combined with other healthy skin practices will help you fell confident in your skin as you glow on the outside and maintain a healthy lymphatic system on the inside!